Grades 8–10
Memoir, NarrativeWritingDAVID is Romanian, and he’s sixteen years old. He loves working with computers. A cool fact about him is that he goes fishing very often. While he goes ocean fishing if it’s a nice day, he also goes scuba diving. He loves scuba diving because he gets to explore a lot. He plays lacrosse and he’s a defender. He started playing lacrosse in 2016.
DANIEL is a fourteen-year-old boy who enjoys music, loves video games, and hates half of everything. Daniel was born in Chicago and has lived here all his life. Daniel wants to be something, but hasn’t decided what yet. Daniel believes that anyone can be whatever they put their mind to.
Dear David,
Hello, my name is Daniel, but I like to be called Danny. I’m from Chicago, but my family came from Mexico. I have one brother, one younger sister, and one older sister. Do you have any siblings and are you close with them? My favorite sport right now is volleyball, how about you? My favorite food is my mom’s. It’s the best. Do you have a favorite place to eat? My favorite place to eat is Panda Express because I love Chinese food.
I saw on the survey that you like to play video games. What games do you play on your PS4? I love Call of Duty—how about you? Do you play extended hours?
Do you enjoy school? What is there to enjoy about it? Did you have any struggles in freshman year? You also mentioned you like MLG? What do you watch and what’s your favorite competitive team?
Well, I hope you have a good week.
Sincerely,
Danny
~
Dear Danny,
What’s up? That’s cool that you’re from Mexico. I am from Romania. School is actually pretty fun because you have a lot more freedom, but you also have a lot of responsibilities. My freshman year was good, but now I regret not trying my hardest.
I mostly like PC gaming now because I just finished building my PC last week. I used only high-end parts, so I spent a lot of money on it. It took me around two days to finish building it. I mostly play CS:GO and Rainbow Six Siege.
I remember every moment from when I broke my arm. I was four years old. My family and I were getting ready to go to my cousin’s house. Me and my brother got dressed quickly, and we went down stairs to blast some music. I kept running across the couches and at the end of the couch, I would jump over a chair and land on some pillows. In one moment, I forgot to jump so I tripped over the chair. On the wall there was a really big coat hanger that I tried to grab onto so I wouldn’t fall. I almost held onto it, but my hand slipped! I landed on my elbow and it automatically came out the other side. I started crying because of the pain, so my brother ran upstairs fast to tell my parents what had happened. My parents rushed downstairs. When my mom saw me she actually fainted. I arrived at the hospital and they rushed me to the surgery room. After that, I remember waking up and seeing my family and my cousin’s family, and that made me so happy that I cried. I was in the hospital for a couple of weeks. I played with other kids from the hospital. This was probably the scariest thing that has happened to me.
What are some scary moments you’ve had? Have you ever been hospitalized? Hope you have a good week.
Sincerely,
David
~
Dear David,
How have you been? Thank you for the letter. I also built a PC in the summer and my dad helped me. I enjoyed building the computer. Did anyone help you build your PC? What are any responsibilities you have at school? Are your responsibilities important to you?
One scary moment I had was when a couple of friends and I walked along the playground. We were just walking when two teachers called my name, and I didn’t know they had called my name! The teachers told me that I had cursed at them from a distance, but I never did. They sent me to go talk to our assistant principal. He told me about the teachers’ complaint and that I had denied it. I told him that we were just walking until I was called by the teachers. Mr. Ramirez, our assistant principal, told me that he could tell I was being honest and that I didn’t do anything wrong, so he let me go.
Has something ever happened to you like this? Were you confused and scared like I was? I look forward to meeting you in person. Oh, and I hope you have a really good week and enjoy yourself.
Sincerely,
Danny
~
Dear Danny,
Something like that hasn’t really happened to me, but once I got blamed for stealing something, which I never did. It got me very mad and scared because they called the cops. They came and they started blaming me, but I kept telling them that I didn’t do it. We kept arguing and then I realized there was a security camera, so I told the police officer to look at the footage. He didn’t really want to look at it because he was really mad and frustrated, so I kept getting louder and louder until they put me in the car. The police called my parents. When my parents showed up. they started talking. I told my dad to ask for the camera footage, so they finally took a look at it. After they saw it, they realized that it wasn’t me. They apologized and they let me go. This was a pretty scary moment from my life. See you soon!
Sincerely,
David
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by Maria Villareal, 826CHI
by Maria Villareal, 826CHI
Students will exchange letters with students from different classes or schools. By listening to others’ stories and sharing stories of…
826CHI and the students of the 2017 Young Authors Book Project present their new book, P.S. You Sound Like Someone I Can Trust. Within this compilation of letters between 8th graders at Emiliano Zapata Academy and 10th graders at Amundsen high school, 62 teens reflect on their identities, share their hopes and anxieties about the future, open up about loved ones’ deaths, and swap K-Pop and Netflix recommendations.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
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Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
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A poem about spring!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
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A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
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In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
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Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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A memoir about finding true friendship.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
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In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
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This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
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A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
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A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
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A student’s manifesto!
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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